The first of Greater Anglia’s new Class 745 trains destined for the Stansted Express service has carried out a successful test run between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport.
prior to entering service.
The 12-carriage train was put through its paces overnight on Friday 25 October 2019, starting at Liverpool Street, then running to Stansted Airport, on to Cambridge and back to London via Tottenham Hale.
Before new trains can go into passenger service, they must pass a series of safety and performance tests. This first test night checked how the train interacts with signals and monitored the train’s Automatic Warning System, which tells a driver of a signal displayed ahead.
Other tests to be carried out on the new trains include testing performance at different speeds on the network and checking the train’s equipment, such as the pantograph, passenger information system, doors and numerous other on-board systems.
“Route proving” tests – checking the train works correctly at every station and platform where it will be stopping – will also be part of the test schedule.
The trains have to rack up between 1,500 to 2,500 miles of ‘fault-free running’ to make sure that every train is reliable before they go into passenger service.
Swiss manufacturer Stadler is making 20 Class 745 electric trains for Greater Anglia – ten will be fitted out for the intercity route between Norwich and London and the other ten are for the Stansted Express service between London and Stansted Airport.
In addition, Stadler is also contracted to supply 38 Class 755 bi-mode trains, which run on diesel and electricity, for Greater Anglia’s regional routes currently served by diesel trains. The first of this new fleet entered service on 29 July 2019.
Greater Anglia franchise and programme director Ian McConnell commented: “It’s great to have reached another milestone in our ambitious programme to replace all of our old trains with brand new trains.
“The first of our bi-mode trains are now in service on regional routes between Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Cambridge and passengers are giving us really good feedback about them.
“We can’t wait to get these electric trains into passenger service – but there’s a bit more testing to do before then.”
Leandro Haggenmacher, engineering project manager for Stadler, added: “With bi-modes steadily being introduced on to rural lines, we are pleased that the electric trains are getting ever closer to roll-out, as well.
“The rail routes that these trains will run on are integral to the transport system that supports the London and south east economy, and are we are proud to be playing a crucial role within that.”
Greater Anglia is replacing every single train with brand new trains which are all longer, with more seats, fast Wi-Fi, plug and USB sockets, better passenger information screens and improved accessibility features.
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